Rajdeep Uncovers Gems on MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and His Father

Politicians divide us on the basis of vote banks and reservations, and all the other terrible things they sometimes do. Our cricketers unite us. I was sick and tired talking about people who leave me depressed. When I talk about these cricketers, it is because these people are truly inspirational.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Self-proclaimed cricket fanboy

When he’s not anchoring a heated prime time debate, Rajdeep Sardesai can usually be found discussing the Indian middle-order, or possibly Virat Kohli’s latest century.

It is, after all, in the genes.

Not many may know but Rajdeep himself had a cricket career – albeit a brief one – having played seven first-class class matches during his days at Oxford University. More importantly though, he is the son of Dileep Sardesai, Indian cricket’s ‘Renaissance Man’. A Goan cricketer who learned the sport from a tailor, who taught himself to play by listening to radio commentary, senior Sardesai went on to become a key component of India’s Test team – that toured West Indies in 1970-71 and became the first Indian squad to have beaten the mighty Windies.

Almost half a century later, junior Sardesai has now penned what he says is a “tribute to my father and his entire generation”. Of the time they used to be paid Rs 50 for a Ranji game, Rs 250 for a Test match and were deduced Rs 50 if a Test finished in four days.

In Democracy’s XI Rajdeep also transcends generations of Indian cricket as he also writes about MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

Watch as he talks to The Quint about his father, MS Dhoni and the origins of his bike obsession and also shares a revelation Sachin Tendulkar made to him during an interview for the book.